A rising executive chef in South Africa tragically passed away in an electric buggy accident. Sihle Somdaka, a 37-year-old father of two, lost control of the buggy after attending a farewell party at a residence owned by Richard Branson and his wife.
At the time of the incident, Branson was not on the island, but he expressed his deep sadness and is in contact with Somdaka’s family and the Necker Island team.
Reports indicate that Somdaka left the party shortly after midnight and subsequently fell down a steep hillside, leading to the fatal crash. Medical personnel on the island attempted CPR and transported him by boat to a nearby hospital.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, suffering from a serious head injury.
Originally from Cape Town, Somdaka had worked at several upscale restaurants in Kuwait and Qatar before taking a position at Branson’s Caribbean resort. Just days before the accident, he had shared a photo of himself on the beach on social media.
Authorities in the British Virgin Islands have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, collaborating with Necker Island staff to understand what occurred that night.
A source has voiced criticism about what they termed the “excessive culture” on Branson’s upscale island, suggesting that such incidents were bound to happen given a history of risky situations. In the past, the island has hosted various high-profile guests, including Princess Diana, Harry Styles, Mariah Carey, and Barack Obama.
